The benefits of creating art

Life is busy, isn't it?

 Work takes a big chunk of the day or week. Yes, I create artworks, but I also have a busy and demanding part time job and some of the preparation time is after hours. Then, there is the house ... helping to raise two bouncy boys (as well as my husband) and ensuring that they are fed, clean, have clothes and cuddled also takes time. Add onto this housework ... well, trying to ensure that the house is clean and clutter isn't piling up everywhere. Even with my creative works, there is time taken to take photos, edit them, email, blog, etc.

It is busy and I think that it is life.

When I took along my crafty items to markets and people found out that I made them, a popular question would be, 'Where do you find the time?' Good question! I simply make time. For me, art is my passion and my outlet to relaxation. When I create, pressures of life, worries and stresses are momentarily boxed away and creativity, imagination, colour and problem solving reign. I find that if I get too swept up with life and I go too long without sitting down and creating, I begin to get restless. It is like I seek that time to sit still and simply create. Art does not solve my problems or stresses but it helps me to manage them.

Here are a few photos of 'work in progress' pieces that I have been working on lately ...

I hope that life isn't too busy for you and that you have a chance to unwind and relax.

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

New inspiration, new techniques and new mixed media canvases

I find that there are times when artistic ideas and creative inspiration is dry. The next idea for the next product is just not there. Often it is combined with busyness in life and frustration with the inability to sit down, relax and let the creative juices flow.

At this point in time, I am feeling quite the opposite ... not that life is not busy (helping to run a household with a husband, a dog and two bouncy boys produces a busy, more like hectic pace of life!), rather, I am enjoying the artistic processes of the items that I am currently making and am relishing seeing them arrive at completion.

Paper mache has become a love of mine. Yes, it is messy and gooey and takes a long time to complete, due to the time taken to dry each layer, however, I am enjoying getting my hands sticky and am inspired at what can be created using this medium. I just need to remember that this art does take time and if I want to produce items, I have to add layers daily to keep the process going.

I have also enjoyed taking time to research artistic techniques and have enjoyed viewing fellow artists' work, in discovering how they create their art works. I have enjoyed reading a book, that I borrowed from our public library titled 'Wabi-Sabi Art Workshop' (by Serena Barton), that explores a range of mixed media techniques. I have then enjoyed trying out some of these techniques in new designs, to see if they work for me or in adapting them to suit my artistic style.

Included in this, is my latest range of tiny canvases. I have created a few sets of these daisy flowered works, however, with this current set, I wanted to try out a looser daisy drawing style and I wanted to add words to describe daisies around the centre of the flower. I also developed a heart design, with similar, loosely drawn hearts with words to do with love and friendship around the main heart. What do you think of these additions?

These canvases are currently available in store. To view them and other products, please click here.

Thank you for joining me. I hope that you are currently feeling creative and inspired in whatever you are doing.

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

What a week, but these paper mache hearts are taking shape ...

I suppose I have always been one to have a 'schedule'. My part time work requires me to follow a timetable and even at home, I have certain times and certain days for different activities. Everything fits neatly in its box and everything has its allocated time. It gives me guidance and I know what is going to happen next. I like it when things are predictable ...

However, life is not so easy to contain into schedules or timetables and last week was a perfect example. It was like a 'perfect storm' - all male members of the household just happened to fall ill at the same time. There were pick ups from school, attempts to enforce rest, doctors appointments and medication administered. In all of this was the difficulty in watching precious people in pain as they battled their sickness. Pre-planned schedules and timetables went out the window while nursing duties were undertaken. That is life and that is motherhood and despite the difficulties and the weariness, particularly in these moments, it is indeed a precious gift. I am happy to say that all are well on the mend and are feeling considerably better.

It also meant that my creative time was very limited last week, however, I did get these hearts started. The base layers have been administered and are busy drying. They will have a white top coat applied, some sparkle and some encouraging words added. They will then become part of the surprise packages for my next 'Snail Mail Surprise Challenge'. More details will be released soon about this.

In the meantime, I hope that you stay well. I have been enjoying some beautiful, sunny days and a breath of warmer weather which is so uplifting (and will hopefully get rid of all the sicky germs!)

Thanks for viewing!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

'Not a Worry' and a Princess Canvas

Have I mentioned that left to my own devices, I worry and stress? It seems to be getting worse as I age. As a teacher, I worry and stress about certain children, their learning environment and what parents must think.

Now as a mum I worry about my boys. This was my latest... We planned a spur of the moment holiday to Melbourne for a couple of days. I started to worry about losing them in the crowds, their safety, their behaviour around others and in a confined space like a train or hotel room... but that is me. If truth be told, parenting is unpredictable and we all have trying moments. It turns out that everything went smoothly and the boys were very good considering the circumstances.

When I stress and worry, I love feeling the flood of relief that everything is OK. For me, personally, my faith helps me tremendously as I can give these cares and worries over and release them. When worries and stresses are taken over, it is not only relief, but peace resides.

One of my latest canvases has the words "Peace fills her heart and gives her strength". This sweet girl faces the world without cares and boldly marches on. A peace and relief fills her and her worries are banished. She looks carefree with her ruffled, party dress and her short, wispy hair embellished with a simple hairband.

Hold your head high, princess...

To see if this canvas is available and to view others, please click here.

Thanks for viewing

~ Jen.

Colour Combo - Red and Grey/Silver

I love working in colour combinations...

I seem to work in colour combinations - finding a source of inspiration, and then producing a range of products: cards, canvases, jewellery, decorative items...

I have just finished my last combination consisting of grassy green hues and yellow. So the time has come to look for a new combination.

I love spending time (and often it is quite a lot of time!) looking at different colour combinations to inspire my next set of artwork. My greatest resources for colour combinations are images on the web and my new found source - Pinterest.

This is what I found:

Source: designs-seeds.com

I have a craving to use bright red. I was drawn to the combination of silver/grey and the touch of light brown.

This is the result of a treasure hunt consisting of these colours around the house:

Now to get creating with these colours...

Thanks for viewing!

Wonderful Wednesday - Mum

It is amazing to think that we have just entered the month of May. Shortly we will celebrate 'Mothers Day' - a chance to thank Mum for the love, support and nuturing that we have received. I thought I would find some inspirational, handmade items that could be used as gifts, especially for Mum from the Madeit website...

Vinatage Pattern Journal by 'Left hand books'

What a unique gift - a journal with a vintage pattern as part of the front cover! Hidden between the covers are pages made of good quality paper, ready for Mum to jot down notes, recipes, craft ideas, etc. I love the idea of using a dress pattern as the front cover - so resourceful!

 

Decorative Pears by 'Red Stitch Designs'

I instantly loved these pears the moment that I saw them. I love their simplicity - black and white and simple pear shape. I love the added touch of the wooden stem. A beautiful gift to decorate Mum's house.

Eye glass case by 'Eleven Roosters'

How beautiful! I love the shape of this eye glass case and I love how the motif on this fabric is central on this case - a lovely touch. Lined and padded, Mum's glasses will surely be kept safe.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Feels like Autumn

We have had a few cooler and wetter Autumn days of late, which have been a welcome relief to the intense dryness and heat that we have experienced during some days in Summer.

On Easter Monday, Mr T, my bro and myself went for a bike ride. We are enjoying cycling and have planned to enter some rides later on in the year, hence we are slowly building up the distance and the amount of cycling that we are doing. The ride (one way) was 38km. The day was overcast with a touch of drizzle to begin with, however, we enjoyed cycling along and we found it quite pleasant and not too arduous. After having a little lunch, we set off for the 38km journey back to our starting destination. Then it dawned on us...we were enjoying a lovely tail wind on the way there and we were now going to go against the wind. For the first half of our return journey, it was ok, however once we hit the more open spaces, riding through plains with not a lot of trees for windbreaks, the wind was relentless! Our average speed slowed quite considerably and we began to count down the kilometres. Needless to say, we arrived a little later than expected and a little more sore. Oh well...we made it and felt satisfied in completing it, hence my inspiration for the week is...Autumn.

Lion soft toy by 'The Crafty Little Fox'

Check out this Autumn coloured cutie! Handmade toys ooze love, cuddles and cuteness. I love his gorgeous mane and his cartoon like eyes. Not a scary lion at all!

Spiral bracelet by 'A Little Bling'

What a unique piece of jewellery! I love the brown and gold tones and the way that the beads spiral around. Gorgeous!

Hand knitted scarf by 'Sally Anna Boutique'

I adore scarves! Once again, I love how the brown and gold tones work together. I also love the variety of yarn that is used, adding texture. Stylish for everyday or at a football match.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Black and White

I have a confession to make...

...I am a bit of a motor racing fan. Growing up in a car and mechanical orientated family, a bit of car racing enthusiasm had to rub off on me.

Previously, it was great to have the racing on the TV, burbling in the background and occasionally catching up on the results. However, as my brother now works in a racing team, I am now a very keen in follower of his team, right down to their successes (or problems) during practices and qualifying. It is very fascinating and I know I am hooked!

Last weekend, Melbourne hosted the Australian Grand Prix and I had my eyes on the results and happenings of some of the races. A black and white, chequered flag heralds in the winner, therefore my inspiration for the week is 'Black & White'...

Personalised Wedding Card by 'Little Angel Creations'

What a beautiful card! I love cards consisting of two colours as it looks 'clean'. I also love the beautiful accents - the bling flower and the ribbon.

Coin Purse by 'Retrofied'

I love the shape of this coin purse, but most of all I love the pattern of the fabric. Looking at the dots too much make my eyes go funny. Such a groovy pattern!

Necklace by 'Velvey and Me'

How classy! I love the mix of black fabric and bow with the dual strings of white pearls. This necklace would jazz up a black and white outfit. Lovely!

I hope that this provides you with a bit of inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Pastels

It is the season for pastel colours at the moment. Pastel colours are soft and flower-like and are often associated with Easter. Easter has been on my mind lately, not only because it is Lent, but I also found a terrific idea for Easter and I can't wait to craft them up as gifts, hence my inspiration for the week is...pastels!

Felt mobile by 'Milbot & Chooky'

This mobile is adorable. I love the look of these fluffy, rain clouds floating in mid-air and dispensing plump, colourful raindrops. Lovingly hand stitched, this mobile would look beautiful in a nursery.

Polymer clay bead necklace by 'The Bear & the Whale'

This is so simple that it is eye-catching. These five round pastel beads strung on a simple waxed cord. Beautiful!

Crocheted rabbit rattle by 'Rosieok Creations'

What a sweet little bunny! I love his round, pear shaped body with a stripy front. His teeny, tiny ears are gorgeous. The bonus about this little fluffy character is that it is also a rattle...a perfect Easter gift for non-chocolate eating littlies.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Hey Bro!

On this day...a few years ago...my little brother was born. Born two and a half years apart, bro and I were (and still are) quite close. I have fond memories of us playing, for what seemed like hours, together in the backyard. Always a sporting nut, who is talented at any sport on land, he proved a tough opponent to beat and wouldn't let my temper outbursts be given into, hence honing my own determination and skills.

Once a very chubby bubby, bro is now a fit, lean, racing machine mechanic, hence time with him is precious, as he is always on the move. Hence 'boys' are my inspiration for the week...Happy Birthday Bro!

Cake bunting flags by 'Pink Grapefruit'

How very sweet! A very decorative way to enhance a birthday cake. I love the idea of bunting, but in miniature.

Boys Fabric Canvas by 'Cheeky Children'

This is gorgeous! I love the train, complete with cute little carriages meandering up and down over the hills. I love the touch of a three dimensional look by adding little lengths of chain between the carriages.

Cot quilt by 'Belle & Jay'

 

I love the style of this quilt and the gorgeous colour combination! I love the ragged edges that are part of the design and the large block in the middle, featuring the initial of the little one. I had a browse through the Madeit store of this seller and I love the colour combinations and the use of fabrics that they use. Gorgeous quilts!

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

 

I love handmade!

A Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Mr T and I managed to sneak out tonight and have coffee (and yummy cake) for Valentine's Day. We usually don't make too much of a fuss as we think it is important to show our love for each other everyday (although it is nice to go out on these little 'date' events now and then).

My love for handmade items and all things crafty have been the source of inspiration this week.I have chosen some handmade items that reflect some crafty passions of mine...

 

White Pram Rug by 'Kids Creations'

One of my passions (particularly at the moment) is crochet. Currently I am working on a special crochet project that I am going to give as a gift. I love the pure wool that I am using and I love the beautiful colours that yarn comes in. One of my favourite creators that specialise in crochet is 'Kids Creations'. Her work is divine and would be perfect for heirloom gifts. I love the pattern of this crochet rug. The scalloped border is a highlight to this design. 'Kids Creations' also make beanies, headbands, layettes, booties...a variety of lovely items.

 Recycled Paper Rose Bouquet by 'Red Zebra Designs'

I am being inspired by materials that I can find, remodelling them and putting them to good use. My 'Tupsy Tee' accessory range have stemmed from this inspiration. A creator that I admire that is remarkable at up cycling is 'Red Zebra Designs'. The ideas that they have are fresh and original. I particularly love the range of paper modelled and created products that use pages from books. These roses caught my eye as their shape are so life like, with a touch of quirkiness as they use pages from atlases. Superb!

Heart Coasters by 'Monkey & Bee'

I had to end on a 'heart' filled note. I also love beautiful fabrics and patterns. One creator that uses such lovely patterned and bright fabrics is 'Monkey & Bee'. With these gorgeous fabrics she makes coasters and coffee cuffs...both of them my favourite. Her heart coasters are a new addition to her repertoire.

I hope that this provides you with you some inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Hearts

Next week sees 'Valentine's Day' roll around. Traditionally, it's the day where people declare their love to the one they love. Personally, it is great to remind loved ones how precious they are every day. Therefore, my inspiration for the week is...hearts.

Felt hearts by 'Honey Cub'

These hearts are gorgeous! They remind me of lollies on sticks. Instead of flowers, why not give a bunch of hearts. I love these colourful hearts bunched together.

Multicoloured Heart Picture by 'William & May'

How sweet! I love the different sized and different coloured buttons, placed together to make this lovely picture. The amazing thing is that all of these buttons are stitched, not glued. A unique picture!

 Hand stitched felt mouse by 'Razzle Dazzle'

I am not a big fan of mice (the real things) however, these little mice are so gorgeous. It is obvious that lots of care and attention to detail have been given in these little creatures. He's giving you his heart!

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Organisation

Well...Mr T and I have been spending a bit of time going through belongings, sorting, tidying, cleaning and organising. It is amazing how quickly items build up if they are not put away properly or given/thrown away when they are no longer needed. The problem is, when there is a build up of items, it takes time to sort and put away. I am determined to try and keep on top of this problem with some organisation, hence it becomes my inspiration for the week...

Wooden Box by 'The Bushel Box Co"

I love this box as it oozes old time charm as it reminds me of an old style fruit crate. It has a rustic feel about it. Perfect to hold toys, books, bathroom items... the list is endless.

Purse by 'Stalley'

I love the screen printed bird on the front of this purse. It contrasts so nicely with the grey fabric. This purse has a black vinyl backing. This little purse would hold coins and notes quite nicely, but could also house tissues, camera, cards, etc. Lovely!

Glass Dish by 'Marjoram Hot Glass'

I love the shape of this dish - rectangular with a little dip in the middle to prevent items rolling out. I also love the colourful lines and shapes to add decoration. It would be great to hold some snacks on or trinkets that gather.

I hope that this provides you with inspiration!

Wonderful Wednesday - Cherries

One aspect of the Summer season that I love is the availability of yummy fruits. At the moment I have an apricot tree in the backyard, that is laden with ripening fruit that I can't wait to collect. I love juicy watermelon and flavoursome strawberries that are also prevalent at this time of year. However, one favourite fruit that has an extremely short season is cherries. We have a number of cherry farms in our area and as soon as it is around Christmas time, the farms have their delicious wares available and we buy a few kilos of this lovely fruit. Yum, yum, yum! The season finishes all too quickly, but provides my inspiration for this week...

Earrings by 'Kitschy Koo'

These are so sweet. They have a cute little cherry design that is simple with a glass front. I love this look - so sweet!

Felted bag by 'Lucy Purls'

This clever bag is cherry in colour. Hand knitted and felted, this bag would hold a lot of goodies. I like the contrast  - cherry red background with an ivory flower.

Bag by 'Amy's Little Space'

I know that I have chosen another bag, but I love the use of up-cycled denim and this cherry blossom fabric. They match beautifully. This bag is big enough to hold a lot of lovely items or be used as a nappy bag.

I hope that these items inspire you :)

Wonderful Wednesday - Gifts for the girls

I went on a bit of a shopping spree on the weekend...

... and no, I didn't browse through shops at the local shopping centre that display the usual thing. Instead, I checked out all the original and hand crafted goodies on madeit.com.au . I found some lovely items and I have started to receive them in the post (the exciting part!). I thought I would showcase some lovely items for the ladies in your life...

Coconut Lime Soy Wax Candle by 'Torch Soy Candles'

Candles are a lovely gift, particularly for the lady that is hard to buy for. These candles are infused with lots of delicious fragrances.

Mini Lip Balm matchbox gifts by 'Twotreehouse'

What a super idea! Inside these beautiful little boxes are three mini lip balms. Just the right size to pop in a handbag. The flavours are tangerine, mint and strawberry. Gorgeous and cute packaging!

Zip Purse with swivel clip by 'Ooak Bags'

Every woman needs a handy little bag to place makeup, keys, tissues, etc in. This one can be clipped onto a belt or key ring, to make it hands free. I couldn't go past this bright design.

Linen cushion cover with screen printed design by 'Agnes & You'

This bright pink pattern on linen caught my eye. Hand screen printed, this lovely item would look lovely in a bedroom or lounge room.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration!

Thursday Inspiration - Japan

Wednesday slipped by SO quickly, hence this post occurring on Thursday. Sorry if you were waiting for it ...

At work, the children and I have been learning about 'Japan'. This is a new unit for me and I have been finding it fascinating and I am learning just as much as the children. We have been learning about Japanese festivals, culture, life and food. Being an artistic person, I have enjoyed helping the children make different Japanese inspired crafts (you will see another one on the blog tomorrow). Therefore, my inspiration for this week is 'Japan'...

Japanese Design earrings by 'Mikano World'

'Mikano World' have a lovely range of Japanese inspired items, including this pair of earrings. These earrings use Japanese Kimono fabric and the red and white enhances the Japanese feel.

Japanese Kimono Cushion by 'The Niki Tree'

What a stunning cushion! I love the gorgeous pattern of the fabric - a composition of fans. I also love the tonal blue base with highlights of bright colour. A stunning addition to a bedroom or lounge room!

Origami Dress card by 'Chie No Wa'

These origami cards are so clever! Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and these cards have origami embellishments. I particularly like this cute little dress - a lovely card for a little girl. I love the addition of the 'buttons' and bow.

Cherry blossom brooch by 'Under the shade of a bonsai tree'

The detail in this brooch is amazing! Cherry blossoms signify the beginning of Spring in Japanese culture and this brooch captures this important event. I love the detail in the cherry blossoms and their colour on a raw, wood background. A unique gift.

I hope that this provides you with some inspiration :)

Wonderful Wednesday - At the races

On Tuesday, the 'race that stops the nation' occurred in Australia - the 'Melbourne Cup'. It is Australia's most famous horse race and many people don a frock and a hat, attend special luncheons and stop to watch the race on TV (if not at the track). As for me, I am not much into horse racing, however I do love these majestic animals and I do love the hats and fashion. Hence my inspiration for this week - at the races...

Horse brooches by 'Oh Blackbird'

I love these brooches for the workmanship involved. Delicately cut horses and inner shapes and then backed with Japanese paper. How lovely!

Horse decals by 'JadaBella Studio'

These decals by 'JadaBella Studio' are amazing! Designed and made by 'JadaBella Studio' they are so professional and detailed that they look like they have been painted. This would look lovely on the bedroom wall of a little equestrian.

Purple Flower Fascinator by 'Emerald Diamond'

Fascinators are fascinating - these elegant creations created with feathers, flowers, glittery items, mesh, etc. I found it very hard to pick just one lovely creation by 'Emerald Diamonds', however, this purple number did catch my eye. Not only is the colour gorgeous, but I love the simplicity of it all - a large flower with a beautiful, glittery embellishment in the middle. It would look lovely with a purple, black or silver formal dress.

Tooty Fruity Dress by 'Pretty Parcel'

I love this vintage inspired dress. I love the simplicity of design and I also love the gorgeous, flowery print on the fabric. It is one of those dresses that could be worn during the day for work, but then could also be dressed up with a lovely necklace (and maybe some lovely hair accessories) to create a stunning evening/semi-formal piece. There are more lovely designs by 'Pretty Parcel' in their Madeit store to choose from.

I hope that these items inspire you :)